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Reports in Pienaar's home country had already hinted at the move and now Ulster have said they are negotiating a release from his province, the Sharks.

The 26-year-old made his Super rugby debut in 2005 and first gained international honours for the Springboks a year later.

He has since won 36 caps and was a part of the South Africa side that were crowned world champions three years ago.

"Bringing Ruan to Ulster is a massive statement of our ambition to be competing with the top teams in the Magners League and ERC," Ulster Rugby's Operations Director David Humphreys said.

"He is one of the most naturally gifted players in world rugby and having had huge experience at international level with the Springboks, we believe Ruan will help Ulster achieve success over the next couple of seasons."

Pienaar will link up with fellow Springboks BJ Botha and Johann Muller when he joins the Ulster squad next season.